Growers know their data holds power. They’ve been collecting it for years—whether through yield monitors, planting records, or soil tests. But unlocking that data and putting it to work in meaningful ways is still a challenge for many. According to Erich Eller, President of Forefront Ag Solutions, that’s one of the biggest areas of opportunity in agriculture today.
Based in Huntington, Indiana, Forefront Ag Solutions works with growers and ag retailers to help them not only collect data but apply it to improve profitability. Erich’s passion for technology and agriculture started at a young age. Growing up on his uncle’s small farm in northeast Indiana, he did a bit of everything—from raising hogs to planting crops. But what set his path apart was the early encouragement to explore computer programming. Long before precision agriculture was an industry term, Erich’s uncle believed technology would play a big role in farming’s future.
That early insight shaped Erich’s career. He went on to work with one of the first independent co-ops exploring precision ag practices. Today, he helps growers navigate a new era of data-driven farming, where questions about profitability, nutrient management, herbicide issues, and carbon programs are part of everyday decision-making.
One of the most common questions Erich hears is, “How do I farm profitably in today’s market?” Growers are facing tighter margins and more complexity than ever before. Forefront Ag Solutions helps by compiling multiple years of data—field by field—to analyze trends and uncover profit opportunities. Using tools that map out costs and returns at the acre level, Erich and his team help growers move from gut-feel decisions to data-backed strategies.
Still, adopting technology comes with hesitation for some. Erich understands that the upfront investment can seem daunting, especially when other input costs are rising. But for growers who have committed to collecting and analyzing their data over several years, the payoff is clear. Building profit maps, timing applications more precisely, and identifying underperforming areas are all benefits that come with patience and long-term data management.
One of the most exciting advancements Erich sees today is the integration of drone technology. His team uses drones to capture imagery for stand counts, plant health assessments, and tassel counts. This imagery becomes a live field map, guiding in-field scouting and decision-making. They’ve also added spray drones to their toolbox, using real-time data and tissue sampling to apply products only where they’ll make the biggest impact on profitability.
Flexibility is another key advantage. While some crop inputs are purchased early in the season, Erich encourages growers to delay certain decisions—like fungicide or foliar applications—until the crop signals what it truly needs. This just-in-time approach helps avoid over-applying unnecessary products and ensures growers are investing in what will drive the most value.
Sustainability is another area where data is making a difference. Forefront Ag Solutions helps growers participate in conservation and carbon programs by organizing and verifying their data. Erich’s team works to connect farmers with the right programs and identify small changes that can unlock new revenue streams through sustainability incentives.
In the end, Erich believes all of this comes down to one thing: farming smarter. It’s about taking knowledge, experience, and data, and transforming them into wisdom that drives better decisions. For Erich, that means helping growers “farm by the foot”—an approach that looks beyond field averages to understand the true potential of every acre. It’s a commitment to making agriculture more profitable, more sustainable, and better prepared for the future.
Why Every Acre Matters
Farming by the foot moves beyond generalizations. It’s not about applying the same strategy across an entire field, but about using technology to identify micro-zones of opportunity. Whether it’s cutting input costs, improving yield potential, or reducing environmental impact, understanding every acre helps farmers unlock the full value of their land.
About Forefront Ag Solutions
Located in Huntington, Indiana, Forefront Ag Solutions partners with growers across the Midwest to turn data into action. From drone imaging and profit mapping to sustainability consulting, they specialize in helping farmers maximize return on investment with technology and expertise built for the future of agriculture.
Listen to the full Ag Smarter Sessions interview with Erich Eller here.
